{"id":102538,"date":"2021-02-22T12:07:47","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T17:07:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/102538\/pregnancy-symptoms-runny-nose\/"},"modified":"2025-01-08T14:55:41","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T19:55:41","slug":"pregnancy-symptoms-runny-nose","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/102538\/pregnancy-symptoms-runny-nose\/","title":{"rendered":"Runny nose"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Having a runny nose, and other congestion symptoms, is fairly common during pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why does it happen?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Like with other illnesses, having a runny nose from a cold or sinus infection is more common during pregnancy than it is the rest of the time, since pregnancy lessens the effectiveness of the immune system. This means that, if your runny nose or congestion goes along with normal cold or sinus symptoms, it\u2019s probably just a normal, un-pregnancy-related illness.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a runny nose or congestion doesn\u2019t come with any other symptoms, it\u2019s probably caused by pregnancy. Pregnancy rhinitis occurs when physical changes from pregnancy inflame the nasal passages and cause congestion. Pregnancy rhinitis can start at any point during pregnancy, and disappears on its own after delivery.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

During pregnancy, it\u2019s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider before taking cold medication during pregnancy, especially combination medications, since it\u2019s not always known what effect all of the active ingredients might have on the fetus.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural remedies for congestion like steam, saline nose drops, and using a humidifier in your home, and keeping your head elevated when you\u2019re sleeping can help to relieve congestion from pregnancy rhinitis. Especially during the first trimester, taking decongestant medication isn\u2019t recommended unless it\u2019s suggested by your healthcare provider, since it\u2019s not known whether the active ingredients in most decongestants can pass through the placenta to affect the fetus.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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